WBO Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, left, and WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri of United States pose for photographers during a news conference in Macau, Monday, Aug. 25, 2014. The boxers are scheduled to battle in WBO welterweight title match at The Venetian Macao on Nov. 23 in Macau. AP PHOTO/VINCENT YU
SHANGHAI—Chris Algieri, a winner all his life, is champing at the bit of fighting his best against future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao in a World Boxing Organization welterweight title fight on Nov. 23 at The Venetian Macao.
Pacquiao, the eight-division champion, is coming off a pair of compelling victories over Brandon Rios and Timothy Bradley to regain his welterweight belt.
“I worked hard to reclaim my title and I will work harder to make sure I keep it on Nov. 23,” said the Filipino superstar.
Algieri, who has a post-graduate degree in Clinical Nutrition and a PhD on top of a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management, has a four-inch height advantage at 5-foot-10 and a three-inch edge in reach with a 6-feet wingspan.
“I’ll be in the best shape possible and put up a great show for you all,” said Algieri, who is undefeated in 20 fights, eight by knockout.
Despite being the clear underdog, Algieri claimed the WBO junior welterweight crown recently with a 12-round split decision over titleholder Ruslan Provodnikov.
“I’m not here just to be in the ring with Manny. I’m here to win the fight,” said the 30-year-old from Huntington, New York.
Algieri will square up with Pacquiao at a catch weight of 144 pounds.
“I am impressed and intrigued by his scientific approach,” Pacquiao said during Tuesday’s press conference for the fight at The Sheraton hotel. “He may be the smartest and the fittest athlete I have ever faced and that makes him the most dangerous.”
Pacquiao came to this captivating city as part of his two-week 27,273-mile international media tour with Algieri that started in Macau on Monday. They are also scheduled to promote the fight in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York.